₦airaland Forum

NYSC BOARD’LL CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE WITH GOVT , SAYS AGAS
BY VINCENT ANIKWUSHE .

THE Delta State Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has said that it will continue to liaise and work with the state government
and other agencies to bring meaningful development to the scheme in the state.
The Chairman of the board, Hon. Festus Agas Ovie stated this during the opening/swearing-in ceremony of the 2017 NYSC Batch “A” Stream Two Orientation Course
for Corps Members at the permanent orientation camp,Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Hon. Agas who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said that the orientation programme offers the corps members the opportunity to interact and interface with youths from different socio-cultural backgrounds and ethnic groups in the country.
The SSG, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Cabinet and Administration, Mr. P.N. Isibor,said that by interfacing and interacting with one another,prejudices will be removed and in the process, “we will succeed in developing youths that have a sense of corporate
existence and common identity of the people in Nigeria.”
“The NYSC scheme is uniquely configured to build bridges of love and unity among youths from different backgrounds,” he asserted.
To this end, he urged the corps members to also learn to tolerate others they would come in contact with and respect them for who they are throughout their service
year and beyond, even as he enjoined them to demonstrate honesty, commitment and dedication in serving their fatherland.
He equally enjoined the corps members to integrate themselves fully into the communities of the state, saying that Delta State is safe, peaceful and very hospitable.
Hon. Agas reminded them that their predecessors in the national service contributed greatly to the development of
their various host communities in many ways and advised them to emulate them and leave lasting foot prints on the
sands of time.
While assuring the corps members of the NYSC board’s commitment to providing conducive environment for
the orientation exercise and ensuring their comfort all 8through the service year, he applauded Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the numerous support and assistance to the NYSC scheme in the state.

Ghost Workers: Delta Introduces Whistle Blower Policy In Civil Service

BY VINCENT ANIKWUSHE

Determined to checkmate the fraudulent activities of some civil servants in the state who receive multiple salaries and others, who reside abroad, but their names are still on the payroll, the Delta State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has introduced the whistle blower policy.
The Chairman, Delta State Civil Service Commission, Dame Patience Nkem Okwuofu, dropped the hint during a monitoring exercise/working visit to the Office of the Head of Service.

Dame Okwuofu, who was accompanied by members of the commission and other management staff of the commission, said that whistle blowers would be rewarded accordingly for furnishing the commission with vital and necessary information that would put paid to the fraudulent activities of the people involved.

She expressed worry and great concern over the fraudulent activities of such dubious elements, saying that it was not only a rip off on the state government, but also criminal of the highest order, just as she also frowned at a situation whereby names of dead civil servants were still on the payroll and those who ought to have retired were still in service.

Her words, “We don’t know them, but you know them because they are your friends and colleagues. We urge you to expose them by furnishing us with the necessary information that will nail them and bring them to book. We can’t continue to waste our lean resources on absentee or absconded civil servants or pay double salaries to some civil servants. Enough is enough. We need your cooperation in this regard.”

She commended the Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko and his team for their excellent performance, saying that civil servants are the back bone of any government as they are the vehicles that drive government programmes and policies.

To this end, she charged civil servants to be committed and alive to their responsibilities, pointing out that the success of any government was dependent on efficient and effective service delivery by civil servants.

For optimal performance, Dame Okwuofu assured that civil servants would be promoted as and when due, saying that delay in promotion or accumulation of promotion arrears was not good enough for the system, even as he charged the officers in charge of promotion to be up and doing to address the issue of payment of promotion arrears once and for all.

While pledging their support for the Head of Service in terms of instilling discipline in the civil service, she cautioned them against lobbying for posting, rejection of posting or lobbying to come back to their former office, adding that posting or transfer is a routine in the civil service. Earlier, the Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, while welcoming the Chairman of CSC and her entourage, said that the monitoring exercise/working visit to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) was a welcome development and morale booster aimed at ascertaining how civil servants were fairing, with a view to getting a feedback from them on their challenges and the way forward.

He commended Dame Okwuofu and her team for their achievements, explaining that partnering and synergising with the CSC had been yielding the desired results and assured Dame Okwuofu of civil servants’ commitment to their duties via purpose-driven service, emphasising that all hands should be on deck to actualise the SMART Agenda of the present administration, as well as move the state civil service to the next level.

GOVERNOR OKOWA WILL DO MORE FOR DELTANS-PATRIOT DANTES ODOGWU.

MR Dantes Odogwu is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on New Media. As Governor Okowa was marking his second year in office through project inspection, commissioning and town hall meetings, The Pointer Chief of Bureau, Government House, Asaba, FIDELIS EGUGBO had a one-on-one chat with the SSA who was attracted back from his comfort zone in London to contribute to the development of the state. It was a revealing chat as he talked about how the New Media has been deployed to work for Deltans, and achievements of the Governor, among others. He summed up his assessment of the administration by saying, the best is yet to come. Excerpt:

As the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on New Media, how have you fared?

I can say, we have done very well. Deltans are enlightened people and it is a fact that more than 80 per cent of Deltans have access to the New Media. Most people are on Facebook, some are on twitter, a lot of persons are using WhatsApp, Instagram and I can confidently tell you that a lot of us are also, making use of all the platforms the new media provides. Almost everyone who has access to GSM phone in Delta State is in one form of new media or the other and this has made it easier for us to market the activities of government to Deltans in particular and the world at large.

In that case, it was not wrong for Governor Okowa to have created the office of the SSA on New Media?

Not at all. Our Governor is well educated, he is a thorough-bred politician and he is aware that Delta State plays host to the most enlightened people in Nigeria. Evidently, there is no other state that is in the country that has the number of tertiary educational institutions that Delta State Government currently sponsors - a multi-campus university, the Delta State University with campuses at Abraka, Asaba and Oleh; three Polytechnics located at Ogwashi-Uku, Ozoro, and Oghara; Colleges of Education at Agbor and Warri; College of Physical Education at Mosogar; College of Marine Technology, Burutu; three schools of Nursing, one School of Health Technology, not to talk about Federal Institutions like the University of Petroleum Technology, the Petroleum Training Institute, the Maritime University; the National Open University with more than three campuses in the state, Federal College of a Education and several others. All these translate to enlightened people. Before now, people easily attack government and its programmes, but, we have effectively, deployed the new media in feeding the people with verifiable information about government and its activities. The conventional media is still very good. That is, talking about print and electronics, unfortunately, they don't get to most Deltans like what we achieve through the new media. Because Deltans are enlightened, they are also, very critical people, as such, we have avoided propaganda, rather, we have checked the activities of opposition with accurate data. Governor Okowa is running an open-door policy, so, we have used the new media to ensure that just with a tap on your phone, your doubts will be cleared. This has made it difficult for those who tell lies to the people because, with the facts presented, Deltans are happy with Governor Okowa's administration.

But, we heard the Governor had a lot of aides and they do disagree?

Naturally, people are bound to misconstrue certain issues. But, it is normal, too, for people to disagree, even husbands quarrel with their wives. The most important thing is disagreeing to agree for the best to be achieved for our people, Deltans and humanity. There is no restriction to the number of political aides the Governor may have or the nomenclature of such appointments. But, to answer your question, all appointees of the Governor see themselves as belonging to one family, working in the interest of the larger family, Delta State. Yes! We are one because, what affects the man in Bomadi affects the man in Asaba and with Governor Okowa's style of leadership, we are more united in Delta State. This has also, ensured that we are more peaceful and committed to the development of Delta State.

(Chips in) Are the aides necessary bearing in mind that the country is in recession?

(Laughing). Who did he appoint? Are they not Deltans? If the country is in recession and with the appointments he has empowered your brother, sister or parents to feed you, are you not happy? He made necessary appointments. Nobody has come out to say the appointments were not justified because, the overall objective is to make Deltans happy and reposition the state to be among the best in the world. Agreed that Nigeria is in recession, but Governor Okowa through the capable brains he has appointmented, has ensured that salaries of civil servants are paid as at when due; he has also, ensured that despite the economic situation of the country, physical infrastructure are being provided in all parts of the state. The question I expect is, 'is Delta working?' and I will say, yes, Delta is working beyond expectations under the able leadership of Governor Okowa.

Talking about rating the Governor, which area do you think he has done well?

Making Deltans to believe in themselves is the greatest achievement of this administration. Before now, how many Deltans were interested in growing rice? Today, rice is being cultivated in commercial quantities in all parts of the state through the empowerment programmes of the Governor. In the next few years, Delta State will boast of more industrialists than any other state in the country because of the large number of persons Governor Okowa's administration has trained, empowered and mentored to be industrialists. So, the Governor has done well in making Deltans believe in themselves. Don't forget that I told you that the state boasts of more tertiary schools than any other state in the country. But, apart from that, to give a boost to his dream of grooming entrepreneurs, Governor Okowa re-established technical education in the state and three technical schools are currently equipped to international standards while three others are being reconstructed. With technical training, the youths who cannot afford to go to universities will set up their businesses from loans given at single digit interest rates from the Micro-Credit financed banks. Soon, there will be no capital flights as a result of non-Nigerians coming to lay our tiles, paint our houses or generally engage in money-making ventures that we can engage in. Today, Delta State is peaceful because of purposeful engagement, the people are happy and the Governor in his humble nature, is working with all stakeholders for the speedy development of the state.

Governor Okowa has done two years in office, what should Deltans expect in the next two years?
If Governor Okowa could achieve these much within two years, within a period that the country was in recession, I am confident that the people are yet to see the best. In the next two years, with improved revenue, with those trained already becoming employers of labour, Deltans should expect a boost in their socio-economic life; Deltans should expect more roads; Deltans should expect a lot of investments from Deltans and foreigners; Deltans should expect a more peaceful and united state; Deltans should expect a state that will be working more than it is now.

OREROKPE ULTRA MODERN MARKET BUILT BY GOV OKOWA'S ADMINISTRATION, IS ONE OF THE MAJOR SOURCES OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO OUR STATE-----ORODJE.

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief (Barr) Mrs. Mary Awhotu Iyasere, today held a progressive meeting with the Executive chairman of Okpe LGA, Hon. Amb. Godwin Ejinyere and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Okpe Kingdom Palace.
The meeting was geared on the way forward towards the future success of the Ultra Modern Market.
The Royal Father of Okpe Kingdom use the medium to appreciate the Executive Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for having such a great economic developmental project in Okpe land, which will in no distance time since it a project awaiting commissioning, attract rapid economic development to everyone in the society and Delta State at large.
The Honourable Commissioner assured them of more developmental projects under this prosperity government across the State, because we have a Governor who always think of the welfare of all Deltans and the development of the State.

OKOWA IS WORKING...

Okowa: Nigerians Should Pray To God To Heal Our Land

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has charged Nigerians to partner with government in its developmental strides and continuously pray to God to heal our land.

Speaking during the Funeral Service of Late Pa. Godwin Azubuike Unini (JP), on Friday (4/8/17) in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, Senator Okowa said there was need for Nigerians to partner with government for a better nation.

Pa. Unini is the Father of Sir Byron Unini, the State Secretary Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)

He stated that his administration was working very hard to provide prosperity for all Deltans stressing that Nigerians need to be educated on the state of the economy to enable them understand the situation of things in the nation and support government for improved economy.

According to him " Nigerians do not understand where we are as a country, until we begin to realize that there is famine in the land and our role as Christians is to pray for the healing of the land”, adding " l sympathize with us because there is pain in every family, the recession is affecting all even at the state level, we should pray for God to heal our land."

"As a state we are doing our best to impact positively on the lives of Deltans despite the fact that our resources have dropped drastically, it is not an easy path that government is passing through but we need your support to successfully accomplish our vision of prosperity for all Deltans."

Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Asaba, Rev. Justin Mogekwu, in his sermon explained that burial ceremonies are opportunity for the living to reflect on how they have been living their lives and wasted God given privileges given.

He commended the diseased for his commitment to education and Christian values which he inculcated on his children.

Government functionaries, important Personalities within and outside the state attended the ceremony. The Late Pa Unini was aged 87.

DELTA YAGEP TRAINEES BEGIN HARVEST ON RICE FAM

A batch of 37 trainees under the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurial Programme (YAGEP) of the Delta State Government yesterday began the harvest of their rice farm at Amoji in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of
the state.

Each of youths trained under the auspices of YAGEP, which is a core segment of the mandate of the Job Creation Office
of the state government headed by the Chief Job Creation Officer of the state, Prof. Eric Eboh.

Disclosing the development in an interview in Asaba, the state capital yesterday, the YAGEP trainer and off-taker
of the programme, Barr. Raymos Guanah,said that each of the young farmers had two hectares.

He disclosed that under the aegis of theprogramme, a total of 185 metric tonnes of rice was expected to be harvested
at an average of 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare.

Guanah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Raymos Guanah Farms Limited, lauded the YAGEP programme for its long-term
benefits, adding that with the threshing and winnowing at the farm, the paddy would be processed and made table ready before the end of the month.

He lauded the Governor Okowa administration for its active and consistent support for farmers, especially the rice
farmers, stressing that if sustained; the development would greatly encourage existing and potential farmers to be more productive to ensure food sufficiency in the state.

The renowned rice farmer also debunked the insinuation that locally made rice was of lower quality than imported one, adding
that though there was room for great improvement, fresh local rice was not in any way inferior to the imported variant.

Guanah suggested that efforts at improvement of the local content of local rice have to dwell on packaging and de-stoning,
adding, however, that the suggestion did not imply
in any way that the local rice was not as good as the
imported variety.

Always Cross Check Your Facts Before Publishing”, Okowa Tells NUJ

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged journalists to always cross check their facts before publishing so as not to heat up the polity.

Speaking when Comrade Mike Ikeogwu, Chairman, Nigeria Union Of Journalists Delta State Chapter led members of newly inaugurated Executive on a courtesy visit, on Tuesday (2/8/17) in Asaba, Senator Okowa said that the press especially the new media should avoid negative reporting, lies and fact check their reports so as to avoid heating up the polity.

He enjoined them to be fair and just in their reporting to maintain the dignity of the journalism profession and be disciplined in their conduct and reporting.

"NUJ should guide their members to be fair and just, and reflect the discipline expected of them, it is better to cross check the facts you post especially on social media, people go on social media to post things they know are lies, and tell lies about other people. We need to cross check facts before posting. It is my hope that NUJ in Delta will guide its members in the course of duty to be fair to everyone and just in their reporting.", he said, adding "now with the new media, all manner of reporting is out there in the public, it is very unfortunate that people can say things that do not exist or post things that they know is false. You must find ways of talking with your members and those of them that put the government in bad light by reporting negative issues."

The governor charged the management of the state owned newspaper, The Pointer, to intensify efforts to increase their circulation so as to be self-reliant.

While commending the NUJ for conducting a free, fair and credible election, Dr. Okowa stated that "we need to work hard as a democratic nation to ensure that all election reflects the will of the people."

Earlier, the Chairman, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu said that they were in Government House to present the newly elected Executive members of the union to the Governor and pledge the support of the union to the development of the state.

Women Empowerment Key To Peaceful Home - Gov. Okowa

***As Minister of Women Affairs Visits Delta State.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has advocated for the sensitization and empowerment of women for the development of our society.

The Governor who stated this on Tuesday (2/8/17) in Asaba when Senator Aisha Alhassan, Honorable Minister for Women Affairs paid him a courtesy visit said that when you empower a woman you empower the family.

" The sensitization programme of the Federal Government is highly welcomed, the more we engage our women the better for the nation, our people need a lot of hope and encouragement, it is heart warming that we have empowerment programmes for the women they are the pillars of the home and care more about the children, anything that will uplift them will bring peace to the home, Senator Okowa said, adding " l believe women's rights should be fought for, the more programmes we have for them as a nation the more stable our children will be. Nigeria needs a lot of the commitment of the mothers to ensure that the children are brought up in the right manner."

The governor informed the Minister that the State Government has done a lot to domesticate the child right act in the state, saying " we take the child right act very seriously in the state, a lot of work has been done in ensuring and advocating for the rights of the child in the family."

While commending Senator Alhassan for her commitment to the advocacy and sensitization of women's, Dr. Okowa urged parents to embrace child spacing and birth control so as to have children they can carter for within the limits of their resources stressing that as a nation we need to plan within the indices of our population growth.

Earlier, Senator Alhassan, said that she was in Delta State in continuation of her advocacy and enlightenment campaign on the empowerment of Nigerian women and the challenges they face stating that the Federal Government has a lot of programmes for women development.

Be Good Ambassador- Okwuofu Charges Civil Servants

As the Delta State Civil Service Commission begins its mandated monitoring exercise, civil servants have been charged to remain exemplary in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking on Tuesday [01-08-17] in Asaba when she led members of the Civil Service Commission on a Monitoring visit to the Directorate of Government House and Protocol, the Chairman, Dame Nkem Okwuofu, said that as civil servants they had the responsibility of not only carrying out their duties diligently but also should be good ambassadors of the commission and the state.

According to her "As civil servants, you have to be good ambassadors of the commission and the state, you have a responsibility to execute your duties diligently and efficiently".

Addressing the issue of promotion, Dame Okwuofu assured civil servants of the commission's determination to ensure that promotions were effected as at when due saying "we are determined to ensure that promotions are done as at when due so that civil servants can benefit the fruits of their labour".

Earlier in a welcome address, Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, Permanent Secretary Government House and Protocol in a welcome address said that the essence of the exercise was to ensure that civil servants remained focused in the discharge of their duties and thanked the Commission for the monitoring visit.

Okowa Says “Take-Off Of Maritime University, Okerenkoko Will Consolidate Peace

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said that the expected take-off of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko would consolidate on the existing peace and security in the Niger Delta Region.

The governor stated this today [01-08-17] in Asaba when Hon. Mohammed Bago, Chairman, House Of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration and other members of the Committee paid him a courtesy visit.

Senator okowa said that concerted efforts by all stakeholders were needed to consolidate the peace and security.

He stressed that “with everybody working together, the state, Federal Government and National Assembly, peace is achievable, it is important that we get the university started because it is one of the promises made to maintain the peace. We are encouraged that the National Assembly has taken the bull by the horn and we hope that the law will be passed by September and the university will get started by the end of the year”

“The university is sited in a difficult terrain, but we produce oil there, therefore we need to ensure that the university comes to fruition because it will serve a lot of people in that area and affect the lives of the people positively”, he added.

Dr. Okowa commended the zeal of the National Assembly to help maintain the peace in the region assuring that their visit would douse the tension already building in the region and reassured the people of government’s commitment to the take-off of the Maritime University.

Earlier, Hon. Bago said that they were in the state to get a first-hand assessment of the level of work at the university promising that the committee will conclude its work early to enable the university take-off this year.

Okowa Signs 5 Bills Into Law

*** Oborevwori Says Bills Passed Through All Required Processes

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has signed 5 bills into law, assuring that, the people will always get good governance.

According to the Governor, “we will collaborate with the Delta State House of Assembly to ensure that laws are passed to impact positively on the lives of our people.”

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborovweri, accompanied by principal officers of the legislature and the Clerk of the House, presented the bills to the Governor, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in Asaba. The bills were signed in the presence of top government functionaries.

Bills which were signed into law are Delta State Investment Development Agency Bill 2016, Delta State Agency for the Control of HIV/Aids Bill 2016, Delta State College of Education, Mosogar Bill 2016, Delta State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Amendment Bill 2016) and the Delta State Hotel Occupancy, Restaurant and Department Stores Consumption Tax Bill 2017.

“I must truly appreciate Mr. Speaker and members of the House for being able to complete the process of passing the bills into law; there is no doubt that the Delta State Investment Development Agency Bill is something that will help to improve on the investment climate of the state and we need the growth of industries; this bill has helped to create an agency that will directly partner with would-be investors and to a very large extent will shorten the time required to process documents and have partnership that yield results between our state and investors,” Governor Okowa disclosed.

He further explained, “with the bill on the Delta State Agency on the Control of HIV/AIDS - we have that agency already in place but, they can only become operational with the signing into law of this bill,” he said, adding, “the College of Education Bill, Mosogar was created on the fact that it was just a College of Physical Education, but, after the visit at their last convocation, at the request of the College and that of the community, we believe that it would be better if the College became a fully-fledged College of Education but, with specific attention to physical education and I am glad it has been passed into law which will enable the College admit students in the next academic session.”

“The Delta State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority amendment bill was to give strength to the operations of the agricultural extensions services because, if we are going to do well in the agricultural sector there is a need to strengthen the agricultural services in such a manner that our farmers are exposed to modern agricultural techniques which will improve on their farm skills and also, enable them have access to new techniques from our research teams,” he said, stating that “the Delta State Hotel Occupancy, Restaurant, Departmental Store Consumption Tax Bill is a bill that will help to generate revenue for the state and in partnership with various owners of restaurants, hotels, it is my belief that we will be able to generate revenue that will help improve on our economy, which will in turn impact positively on our people.”

Governor Okowa reiterated, “I am proud of the Delta State House of Assembly, it is aptly, the most vibrant legislature in the country and I have lost counts on the number of bills that have been signed into law; I am confident that more bills will be signed in the next few months.”

Rt. Hon, Oborovwori while presenting the bills for assent told the Governor that the bills passed through all the processes required for them to be passed, assuring that the legislature will continue to partner with the Delta State government to deliver dividends to Deltans.

The Speaker said that the five laws will to a large extent improve and encourage investment and capital in-flow to the state, improve revenue generation in the hospitality and tourism industry, improve control of sexually transmitted diseases and drastically reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS; enhance academic standards in Colleges of Education across the state as well as strengthen rural development and the Agricultural sector which are some of the key priorities of the Okowa administration.

According to the Speaker;" Your Excellency Sir, today mark a significant day for the State and in particular the effort of this administration to make Delta State an investment haven for investors".
"We are before you today to present five very important Bills passed by the House for your assent. These Bills when assented to, will create confidence in investors, shore up the revenue base of the State, provide succour to sufferers of HIV/AIDS, increase opportunity in the education sector and will help open up avalanche of modern farming technology to our people", the Speaker said.

Don't just say flooding, be a problem solver, Join the impact #DREAMS2017#

VISION 2019: IGBAKPA MANDATE FORUM PAID A COURTSEY VISIT TO HON. BEN IGBAKPA.

Towards actualizing the Vision 2019 mandate, Igbakpa Mandate Forum , a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) today 19/7/2017 paid a courtesy visit to Hon Ben Igbakpa. Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chairman of the forum, Mr. Obriki ESE said “ After carrying a research of political actors in Ethiope West LGA, they deemed it necessary to throw their weight behind Hon Ben Igbakpa come 2019, putting into consideration of his antecedents and simplicity nature of living”.
Mr Obriki, promised to give Hon Ben all the necessary support from the grassroot level and mobilize all and sundry respectively in due time to achieve a huge success.
In a quick remark, Hon Ben Igbakpa appreciated the forum and vowed to deliver the divindends of democarcy that is centred on quality representation to his constituents in the green chambers by the special grace of God come 2019.

DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME IS ONGOING - COMRADE OLOGE ELIJAH;

*By Christian Onwugbolu*

Comrade Ologe Elijah, Executive Secretary Delta State Bursary and Scholarship board has disclosed that the Delta State Bursary scheme is currently ongoing in the state.

The chairman of the board made the disclosure while granting interview with newsmen at his office in Asaba the state capital on Friday 14th July, 2017.

He disclosed that his board has received 14,614 application for the state scholarship scheme while about 55 schools have been paid.

He further said that the various payments began from the month of May 2017, which includes and will cut across; students special assistance scheme (bursary), overseas postgraduate scholarship scheme; financial assistance to students in the Nigerian Law Schools, Aviation Scholarship scheme; scholarship for deceased civil servants and physically challenged students, alongside local scholarship scheme (undergraduate, Masters and PhD), etc.

Comr Elijah stated that the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board is committed to supporting the pursuits of academic excellence in Delta State and to make bursary and scholarship readily accessible to all our students across the globe.

He urged the schools and students that hasn't benefitted from the scheme,to exercise patients,assuring all that no institution will be left out in the scholarship grant.

In the same vein, he urged the students to be appreciative of the various state government efforts towards advancing education in the state and said that Governor Okowa in line with the SMART agenda is committed to the advancement of education in the state,stating that the welfare of students remains of paramount concern to the Governor.

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary
Education, Barr. Chiedu Ebie has called on all N-Power facilitators in Delta State to take their job seriously and reciprocate government’s gesture by engaging
in activities that will impact on the lives of those that will learn from them. The commissioner made the remark at the opening of a one- day training workshop for all N-Power facilitators in Delta State which held in Asaba.
The commissioner ,who was represented by the Permanent
Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Onokpe, said that the workshop had become necessary in order to equip them with the methodologies and happenings in the field of Non-Formal Education (NFE) and also improve on their capabilities
and competencies at delivery to the learners.
He said that the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education
serves as an instrument for the eradication of illiteracy among adults in the state and the nation in general.
According to him, it will provide the leaners with the opportunity
of acquiring personal skills in various fields such as catering and tailoring/fashion design, among others, saying that the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has placed much premium on education through the relevant education policies in his SMART Agenda.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education in the state, Dr. Caroline Ajuyah, said that the training was organised to properly equip the newly deployed N-Power facilitators in the state, who are saddled with the responsibility of impacting knowledge and skills to different learners in the adult learning centres and to also improve on the standards laid by NMEC and the government of the state.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Agency (DSMSMEDA), Mrs. Shimite Bello who called on the participants to concentrate on what will be taught in the workshop as they will benefit from it, also warned that anyone found wanting will be shown the way out as government will not tolerate unseriouness.

OKOWA TASKS POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS TO RENDER SERVICE WITH INTEGRITY

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged political office holders to imbibe the lifestyle of the late sage of Estate Management, Sir Fortune Ebie in rendering service with integrity.
The Governor, accompanied by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Barr. Kingsley Esiso and other top officials of government made the call today (14/07/17) while speaking at a funeral service for late Sir Ebie at the Cathedral Church of St. John (Anglican Communion), Agbor.
According to Governor Okowa, "Sir Ebie served and led with an unassailable integrity, he set a standard of moral rectitude in the slippery world of business and service; he was an exemplary courage and selflessness in service, and we should take the battle from where he stopped, it is the best tribute we can give to him."
"I know we are mourning, but, we have every reason to celebrate his life for what he did for Nigeria as a nation, he was a leadership icon; passion, integrity and service describes him," the Governor reiterated.
, "He was easily, the best brain Nigeria has produced in the Estate business." Okowa adding.
At the service which saw different organizations paying tribute to the late sage who was also called, Mr Housing, the Bishop of Ika Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Peter Onekpe urged political office holders to be inspired by the lifestyle of the deceased uncle of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Delta State, Mr Chiedu Ebie.
"Sir Fortune Ebie's legacies should inspire us not to live a life of personal aggrandizement to the detriment of the nation. We should think of posterity, we should dwell on things that we do not see, rather than those things that we see," the Bishop said.
He continued, "if we are in government, we should look beyond those things that we see and look at what people will say of us when we have left office; Sir Ebie was the first Manager of FESTAC Town, Lagos, if it were to be today, he would have own half of FESTAC, now that he is dead, where would he have taken those things to?" he asked.
"We need crop of leaders who will not collect money and dump in their houses, that is corruption; let us shun materialism, materialism is what has spoilt Nigeria," Bishop Onekpe said.

GOVERNOR OKOWA'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR.

Patriot Dantes Odogwu.

In my last article on "Warri Central Hospital", I made a promise to enumerate the achievements of Governor Okowa in the health sector.

Find below record achievements in just two years.

1-. Purchase of medical/laboratory equipment and infrastructural repair to meet accreditation requirements in College of Health Technology, Ofuoma, Ughelli North LGA.Ofuoma, Ughelli

2 Remodelling/Rehabilitation of the Renal Dialysis Building at the Central Hospital, Warri

3- Renovation and re-equipping of Children's ward at the General Hospital, Patani Completed-Patani

4- Total Renovation, equipping, furnishing, purchase of brand new Ambulance, and upgrading of Cottage Hospital, Abavo to the full status of an ultra-modern standard General Hospital. Azuowa-Abavo

5- Rehabilitation of water supply scheme at the general hospital, Patani , Patani L.G.A.

6 -Construction of internal and external access roads at the Cottage Hospital, Azuowa-Abavo in Ika South L.G.A. Completed. Azuowa-Abavo

7- Procurement of hospital equipment at the general hospital, Patani in Patani L.G.A..Patani

8- Procurement of 9 Nos. Oxygen Concentrators. spread across the three Senatorial Zones in Delta State .

9- Recommencement of Work at Central Hospital, Asaba

10-Restructuring of Delta State Emergency services and payment of all outstanding commitments
.
11- Supply of 10,000 NoS., mama kits to health centres in the State.
12- Renovation and remodification of Central hospital, Agbor. (Group A) in Ika South LGA Agbor

13- Repair of faulty medical equipment in ten hospitals across the State Delta State (3 senatorial districs)

14- Distribution of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) forms in Delta State

15- Total remodelling and Procurement of equipment for Accident and Emergency ward at General Hospital, Patani, Patani L.G.A. Patani

16- Supply of medical equipment to Udomi-Abavo Primary Healthcare centre and surrounding Health centres in Ika South Local Government Area Udomi-Abavo

17- Construction of ultra-modern 400m3/Day MBR sewage treatment plant at DELSUTH Oghara DELSUT, Oghara

18- Supply and installation of incinerators and its shelters at DELSUTH, Oghara DELSUT, Oghara

19 Grant to DELSUTH for major equipment repairs, MRI, CT Scan, Mobile X-ray and power supply. DELSUT, Oghara .

20-Administration Block completed at School of Nursing Warri to improve on office accommodation.

21-The Free Maternal and Free Under-5 Healthcare Programmes

22-Financial assistance by Government to vulnerable and impoverished Deltans for treatment.

23-Training of Paramedics at College of Health Technology (CHT), Ofuoma. After adequate training, including possible overseas exposure, these paramedics would be well-armed to run our reformed Emergency Medical System(EMS)/Ambulance services in the state.

24-Construction of students’ hostel at School of Nursing, Agbor has reached advanced stage of completion. This project is to meet Nursing Council’s requirements for increasing the student admission quota to 50 like Eku and Warri.

25-Establishment of Sickle Cell Clinics at various hospitals in the State. So far 7 such clinics have been established, one each at Ughelli, Sapele, Eku, Oleh, Patani, Agbor and Kwale.

26- Upon assumption of office,Governor Okowa promised Deltans to pursue legislation that will support and promote Universal Health Insurance Policy for all Deltans. The inauguration of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, marks the fulfillment of that promise.

27-Signing into law the Bill establishing the Delta State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery.

28-.Training of personnel on various programmes, including control of diseases of public health importance has been ongoing.

29-Tuberculosis Control -Care of multi-drug resistant TB patients in Delta State has since commenced and the cure rate from 2013 to 2014 is 83%.

30-Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Between January and November , 2016, the DRF has supplied drugs, medical consumable and laboratory reagents worth N806, 618,018.00 to hospitals in the state. In-house, there is improved capacity for quality control of drugs distributed by DRF to hospitals. There has been improved drug supply chain management leading to reduction in out-of-stock complaints.

It is imperative to state here that the main thrust of the present administration’s health policy is to ensure universal health coverage which guarantees availability, accessibility and affordability of health care for all Deltans with appropriate technology and accountability.

With the inauguration of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Delta became the first State in the country to have a mandatory health insurance scheme for the purpose of universal healthcare coverage.

Today Delta State, through DELSUTH, can boast of having one of the best Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the country. The unit takes care of pre-term and sick babies who, hitherto, would not have had the chance of survival.

Maternal Mortality Ratio: The rate at which women die during pregnancy or child birth – Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) – is one of the most important global indicators of the quality of healthcare of a nation. For us in Delta state the MMR has declined from 459 in 2007 to 111 per 100,000 Live Births in 2015. Fro preliminary results so far, it is estimated that this figure will be further reduced by the end of 2016.

This is a reflection of the success of the Free Maternal Healthcare Programme which the present Administration has continued to implement in spite of the limited resources

Even more significant to us as a government is that the poor, women and the vulnerable will no longer have to seek recourse to money lenders to pay for health services, leading to further impoverishment

Consequently,Perinatal Death Rate has shown a gradual decline from 43 per 1000 deliveries in 2012 to 36 per 1000 deliveries in 2015, and data have so far shown a decline in 2016.

So you will all agree with me that despite the prevailing harsh economic reality,we have made steady and remarkable progress in the health sector and i therefore encourage critics to admit it when Governor Okowa has done well. I know he is inclined to do more to justify the confidence reposed in him by Deltans.

I therefore encourage every one of us to engrave this on the tablet of your heart-APPRECIATION IS ACTUALLY APPLICATION FOR MORE.
Thank you.

Delta ALGON Chairman Absolves State, Blames FG For LG Woes

The Chairman, Isoko South Local Government of Delta State, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has blamed the insolvent condition of local governments across the country on disproportionate sharing formula for the nation's revenue.

He said the greatest challenge facing the third tier of government was the meagre 20 per cent share of federal allocation to the 776 local governments in Nigeria.

This, he noted, is grossly inadequate to meet the councils' first line charge, which is the payment of salaries, not to talk of provision of basic social amenities at the grassroots.

Ikpokpo, who doubles as the Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State, made the submission while reacting to the growing call for local government autonomy in the country.

He differed slightly with advocates of autonomy, which he said could not achieve the desired results without adequate revenue adjustment and conscious constitutional amendment towards reducing the powers at the centre.

He said that while he could not speak for other states, local governments in Delta are not under any form of undue influence from the state.

Ikpokpo added that the state government is also not involved in pilfering funds accruing to the local governments as might be the case elsewhere.

The council boss described the "excessive, overloaded, overlapping and domineering posture of the Federal Government" in revenue allocation and function as the greatest threat to the third tier of government in the country.

To justify its bogus 56 per cent share of the country's revenue, the Federal Government has taken over all aspects of governance and services, including rural health care, birth registration and markets, where it lacked the essential grasp and touch, Ikpokpo said.

He wondered why a Minister in Abuja should be dictating where to site a primary health centre in a community or a Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) project in Isoko South.

According to him, over 40 per cent of roads in the country are within local governments, yet they are referred to as federal or state roads. "Several core functions and internal revenue heads of the local governments have been hijacked by the overbearing Federal Government owing to its excessive powers and domineering attitude."They now collect monies for birth registration through the Nigeria Population Commission even in our rural health centres, leaving the local governments with collection of bicycle levies.

"The question is, are people still riding bicycle?" Ikpokpo said.

The Delta ALGON Chairman described as archaic and unsustainable an arrangement in which an entity takes a whopping 56 per cent revenue share and gives 776 constituent parts put together a paltry 20 per cent.

This, he noted, explains the near collapse of all sectors of the economy.

Ikpokpo emphasised that until a conscious effort was made to rejig the local government system in areas of funding and functions, the nation's yearning for tap-rotted growth and development will remain a mirage.

He, therefore, appealed to the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and all other stakeholders to join hands with ALGON in its call for urgent fiscal restructuring and devolution of the powers of the Federal Government as the only panacea for the continued existence of the local government system in the country.

Okowa, Emefiele Says MSMEs, Fastest Way To Speedy Devt

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele and others have identified Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) as the fastest way for Nigeria's economic growth.

While identifying MSMEs as great employers of labour, they observed that investing in such would not only boost Nigeria's economy but, will ensure speedy technological development of the country.

Their positions were made known today (24/06/17) at the maiden edition of Ika Economic and Investment Summit organised by the Ika Village Square at Agbor. The summit had as its theme, "exploiting the economic potentials of Ika nation through strategic partnership."

"As it concerns MSMEs, we have done a lot to encourage our people to be entrepreneurs but, a lot more needs to be done; a lot of our people are not knowledgeable enough and as such, they make a lot of mistakes, we are not only training our people to acquire skills as government but, we are training our youths, equipping them to function on their own, monitor and mentor them to succeed as entrepreneurs because, education backed with skills is the way to go for our country," Governor Okowa said.

He also, observed that it was important for the people to go into agriculture, noting that job opportunities abound through the agriculture value chain.

The Governor asserted, "one of the ways to have an inclusive growth in our nation is agricultural production and its value chain; I am encouraging our politicians to go into farming, there are lot of benefits in farming, it is a great employer of labour; even in the area of palm oil production, we have not been able to produce enough palm oil to meet with the need of Nigerians not to talk of export."

He used the occasion to call on parents to instill in their children, the right values, saying, "without the right family values of bringing up children who appreciates hard work, we will not achieve the desired results; parents must realize that if they don't know what their children do to earn a living, they have failed as parents; most of us may not want to talk about it, but, most of us have no control over children which means, we have failed as parents."

The Governor of CBN in an address delivered on his behalf by Chief Ikeghagu H.C, stated, "MSMEs are recognized worldwide as a catalyst for rapid growth, job creation and poverty reduction; they have been described as the incubators of innovation and employment, which are usually resilient to most exogenous shocks."

Major-General Lucky Irabor, Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole North East Theatre Command stated, "without security, there is no development, development and security are interwoven."

Dr Kingsley Emu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee in a welcome address, stated that the Economic and Investment Summit was organised to address economic issues facing the Ika ethnic nationality and a bold declaration of the resolve of the people to succeed.
Those who spoke at the occasion include, Prof. J.C. Egbon, Prof. Eric Eboh, Dr Jude Ogala, Commissioner for Police David Igbodo, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, among others.

2019: Delta Central Adopts Okowa As Sole Guber Candidate
... Okowa Says PDP Will Be Stronger When United

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta Central Senatorial District has endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the sole candidate for the 2019 gubernatorial elections.
In a political rally tagged, "Delta Central Mega Rally" today (23/06/17) held at the Sapele Township Stadium, prominent politicians in the PDP came out to endorse Governor Okowa, saying his activities within two years in office have qualified him to be the Governor of oil-rich Delta State till 2023.
Those who spoke at the rally where thousands of persons defied the rain to sing the praises of Governor Okowa include a chieftain of the PDP and former Minister for Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire who stated, "you (Governor Okowa) will do full term, here in Delta Central, decampees have also agreed that Senator Okowa will be Governor till 2023."
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at the rally which also, witnessed harvest of decampees from other political parties asserted at about 2 pm that, "Your Excellency, since 10 am, the people of Delta Central have been dancing, celebrating your two years in office, we are here to show that we love what you are doing and to tell the world that there is no other political party in Delta Central other than the PDP."
PDP chieftain, Senator Ighoyota Amori in his speech reiterated, "our Governor, from what you can see here today, be assured that in 2019, you will be returned unopposed, the PDP is the only political party in Delta Central, we are proud of your performance in Delta Central and in Delta State in general," while the Chairman of the PDP in Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Patrick Fovie, "our Governor, you have done well, this rally is to tell you and the world that the PDP is the only political party in Delta Central Senatorial district."
The Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Ogor at the rally moved a motion for Governor Okowa to be returned unopposed in 2019 as the sole gubernatorial candidate of the PDP and the Chairman of Sapele local government area, Hon. Ejaife Odebala seconded and a thunderous acceptance was given to the motion.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in South South zone, Brother Emma Ogidi and the Chairman of the party in the state, Barr. Kingsley Esiso received the decampees which included members of the Delta State House of Assembly who won their elections on the platform of other political parties and an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Paulinus Akpeki back to the PDP.
According to Barr. Esiso, "in 2019, it is Governor Okowa again, the Urhobo nation appreciate you because of what you have done, we are here today to celebrate progress, to celebrate prosperity, members of our party who left for other political parties are back to the family they belong to, the PDP, we are one family."
Governor Okowa at the occasion, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be stronger if they are united and work for common purpose.
At the well attended rally, Governor Okowa disclosed that ahead of the local government elections, candidates of the party for the local government council elections would emerge through a free, fair and acceptable process.
"I join the party chairman to receive our people who have come back and for those who have not been with us in the past, who have come to join us today, you have come to test what it is to belong to this family, the PDP family," Governor Okowa said, stating, "I want to thank all our leaders, we are here as a family, this is the very first rally we have had since I came into office and it is very successful."
He continued, "the future is better and greater for us as a family, we should remain united as members of the PDP, we will continue to work hard, so that every Deltan will continue to sing the same song, our government will continue to engage our youths for them to be gainfully employed, we have started it and many persons will benefit to become employers of labour."

Okowa Calls For Urgent Actions To Curb Cultism And Drug Abuse Amongst Youths

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called for urgent actions to save Nigerian youths from the adverse effects of cultism and drug abuse.

The Governor made the call Tuesday (20/06/17) in Asaba when he received on courtesy visit, the Chairman, Delta State Chapter of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Kenneth Okorie, and members of the executive committee.

According to the Governor, “there has been a lot of cultism and the use of drugs and it is ravaging our youths, wherever we find ourselves, we should kick against it (cultism and drug abuse).”

“Cultism has become active even in secondary schools and outside the walls of our schools, we need to carry out advocacy among our youths, so that we begin to rethink these ills, we cannot destroy ourselves, we need to reach out to the youths early enough so as to save them from self-destruction,” the Governor emphasised.

While disclosing that his administration through the Directorate of Orientation was currently involved in awareness campaign against cultism and drug abuse, Governor Okowa added that his administration has also, empowered youths through different skill acquisition programmes to be self-sufficient and become employers of labour.

He stated that his administration will continue to encourage the youths especially through technical skills and called on the NYCN to “build and inculcate in the mind of the youths the need for hard work, commitment, focus in other to succeed in life.”

The Governor assured the youths of his administration’s readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders in its desire to run an inclusive and participatory government for the desired results to be achieved,

“We are disposed to getting people to be part of decision making and governance, that informs the town hall meetings that we have been holding and that is why we hold stakeholders meeting to get the input of our people,” the Governor added.

Earlier, Comrade Okorie, commened Governor Okowa’s administration for carrying out programme that will be beneficial to the youths.

Gov. Okowa Charges Religious Leaders On Mentorship

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has enjoined religious leaders to sustain the spread of the gospel of Christ by raising a younger generation of believers to succeed them.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who gave the advice at the weekend during the fiftieth birthday anniversary of the Warri Zonal Director of the Christ Embassy Church, Pastor Siji Dara, said that the development of the Church must be sustained, pointing out that a generation of true worshipers was needed for the end time army.

He said Pastors should place emphasis on the message of Salvation instead of focusing on prosperity which according to him was the vogue in modern Christianity.

The governor reiterated government’s determination to impact on the lives of the people and called on the Church to intensify their prayers for the Government of the state and the nation.

While appreciating God for the life of Pastor Dara, Governor Okowa commended him for the tremendous impact he has made in the lives of many people, and urged him not to relent in mentoring more people for higher divine assignments.

In their remarks, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, who was the Chairman organising committee for the birthday and his wife, Deaconess Ebi Otuaro said their lives have been transformed by the word of God through the celebrant.

They described Pastor Dara as a mentor, and a coach as they prayed for God's mercies and wisdom upon his life.

SMART AGENDA ON COURSE

Gov. Okowa Commissions the completed construction of concrete paved Obodo Avenue (Berger Road) Off Shaguolo Area, Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES STEPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES WITH STARTER PACKS.

Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) trained under the Delta State Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) receive starter packs to begin their enterprises today in Asaba.

Okowa Sues For Peaceful Relationship Between Oil Coys and Host Communities
… Urges Deltans To Attend Finals Of Sports Festival

OIL companies operating in the Niger Delta region have been advised to ensure harmonious relationship with their host communities.
The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa gave this advice today(09/05/17) when he paid a courtesy visit on the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Ogbogbo.
According to the Governor, “I believe that the Federal Government is becoming responsive to issues relating to oil exploration activities on the host communities and the oil companies should relate harmoniously with their host communities for peace to reign.”
He stated that his administration would not condone any action which will lead to breach of peace or will affect oil exploration activities in the state, assuring that operators of OML 30 in the state would be reached to ensure that they work peacefully with the Ozoro Kingdom.
The Ovie of Ozoro had said there would be dispute with operators of OML 30 if the company fails to respect provisions of the local content law in their operations.
The Governor who told the Ovie that he was in Ozoro for commissioning and inspection of projects as part of activities lined up to mark his second year anniversary in office, reiterated, “any oil company that is not relating well with their host communities will be called to order.”
Senator Okowa used the occasion to call on Deltans especially, residents of Isoko North and South Local Government Areas to come out emmasse on Friday, May 12th for the finals of the Delta State Sports Festival.
“The 12th of May which is Friday, is the finals of the sports festival and it will be held at the Delta State Polytechnic stadium, Ozoro; I invite you, your chiefs, all your subjects and all Deltans to attend the ceremony,” he said.

Governor Okowa of Delta State Commission OZORO -OLEH ROAD in Ozoro in Osoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Congratulations Madam, best wishes in Jesus Name...Amen.

To my sister, my friend, the mother of my house and my lovely wife. It all started when there was no sensible reason to trust and believe in me. The closest to you then waived me off as a road that leads to nowhere but you looked beyond that moment and heap all your trust confidence in me and what I stood for, went into prayers to rewrite our story. I remember in 2003 when the cold hand of death took my Dad in June and Mum in December precisely the same 29th of both month you stood by me and made a solemn promise and in your words " Be assured I will be your mother my only worry is if i have the capacity of the father too" and today you have played both roles for me and for our wonderful children too. I have risen and taken over the role of the father while you maintain mothering the household. Your positive and futuristic judgements were not wrong because is always alive to Right those path that the world seem wrong and give victory to those he has chosen. You have been with me all through the journey. I could not have wished for a better wife and friend. You have accepted and tolerated me despite my imperfections and deliberate disappointment at times yet all you pray for is a better me. I am never wrong even in some glaring situation. I bless God for making you my partner and better half. I thank you for your understanding. I thank God for the wisdom you never gave up on me. I thank God you are happier today. You ain't seen nothing yet darling . While waiting for a perfect time and gift to say thank you I want to wish you a very happy birthday with Long Life more wisdom and prosperity. Happy birthday Honey.

Congratulations once more, from your heart throb and darling husband.

Hon Ben Igbakpa and the children.

Okowa Urges Well-To-Do Deltans To Invest In The State

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Deltans who are doing well in their different fields of work to invest in the state.
Speaking today (30/03/17) at the Isoko Economic and Investment Summit held at Oleh, Delta State, Governor Okowa stated that the call became necessary because, a lot of Deltans have their industries and other investments outside the state, disclosing that the state is peaceful and safe for investments to thrive.

"That factory that we are putting elsewhere, we can bring it home and if all Deltans who are doing well comes to invest in the state, our state will be blessed the more and more of our youths will get job," Governor Okowa said, adding, "there is a lot of benefits derivable in investing in Delta State, the environment is friendly and the market is there for your products; we look forward to partnering with investors coming into our state to ensure that they have quick returns on their investments."
While stating that plans are on to outlaw youths activities in the area of multiple levies nicknamed "deve", Governor Okowa lauded the Federal Government's initiatives towards encouraging investors in having Modular Refineries in the country.

He however, appealed that the Federal Government will create a lot of job opportunities if the Polytechnics and the Petroleum Training Institutes are equipped to construct such refineries or be able to manage such when they come on stream.
"We have made our technical colleges to be functional, as parents, we must encourage our children to attend the colleges which will equip them for the Polytechnics because, someone who moved from the technical colleges to the Polytechnics will come out a better person; we want people who can create jobs and be able to stand on their own," Governor Okowa stated, reiterating, "we must encourage the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and the Polytechnics to understudy how to construct Modular Refineries so that subsequently, we will not need expatriates to construct or fix such refineries in the future."

The Governor who commended the Chairmen of Isoko North and South local government councils, Comrade Emmanuel Egbabor and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo respectively for conceiving the summit, advised that the outcome of the summit should not be put to waste, noting that his administration was committed to encouraging speedy development of the state.
He assured Deltans that the Section C of the Ughelli/Asaba dual carriage way (Asaba to Ozoro) has not been abandoned, disclosing, "we are not abandoning the Asaba/Ughelli road project, we are discussing with the contractor handling the project because, he is being owed a lot of money, even before we came."
Governor Okowa also, decried the low patronage of the Central Bank of Nigeria's Anchor Borrowers programme and called on Deltans to form cooperative societies to enable them have access to the funds to enable them be involved in large-scale farming which he described as "the greatest employer of labour."
Earlier in an address, Hon. Egbabor had said, "the summit is driven by the need to diversify the economy of the Isoko nation, improve human capital development, reduce the poverty index of the people of the area, as well as explore new avenues of business developments," adding, "the theme of the summit is 'harnessing Isoko Economic Potentials and Opportunities For Sustainable Development."
Those who spoke at the occasion including Sir Ayodele Othihiwo, Prof. Abednego Ekoko, Prof. Samuel Aghalino, Dr Christopher Akpotu, among others, observed that Governor Okowa has stridently worked for an investment friendly environment in the state and listed areas of investment, especially in Isoko ethnic nationalit

Delta Government empower youths for massive rice production.

Thirty seven pioneer beneficiaries of the Delta State Government’s Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) have been established with starter packs to begin rice production in the state.
The beneficiaries trained in rice cultivation, production and processing were established in a 74 hectare farmland and allotted two hectares to each farmer.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, stated that with a three metric tons deficit supply in Nigeria, rice is one of the priority commodities in the YAGEP initiative, noting that rice cultivation had short life cycle, but had very high market potentials.

He said he was confident that the YAGEP entrepreneurs, having undergone intensive orientation programme, training in life skills and a 3-month internship with Raymos Guanah’s Farms, had the capacity to breach the gap, forecasting that the cluster would be making a presentation of YAGEP rice to the Governor in the next four months.
Governor Okowa assured them that, “they have been provided with a suitable environment to establish their own enterprises, have a business incubation and to run a rice farm enterprise on their own, supported by a full package starter pack.”

Represented by the State Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, he said each beneficiary was provided with leased 2 hectares of land suitable for rain-fed rice cultivation; mechanized land preparation, ploughing and harrowing; certified farrow 44 long grain seeds; mechanized planting of seeds; 6 inorganic fertilizers, Urea and NPK; herbicides and bird repellants at fruiting stage, applied through mechanical methods.

Other items included a tarpaulin; 100 harvesting bags; a stainless basin; brooms; parkers; mechanized harvesting of paddy (tractor-operated); mechanized threshing and winnowing; monthly stipend for 6 months and a micro credit with a moratorium of 6 months, 9 per cent interest rate and repayable within 12 months and technical assistance throughout the production cycle.
While congratulating them as pioneer beneficiaries of State Government-supported rice production in the state, he disclosed that at the end of the production cycle, the rice will be branded, “Delta YAGEP Rice.”
He advised them to organize themselves into cooperative societies so as to benefit from government’s micro credit and grants to farmers as well as aids from international donor agencies who want to support agriculture in Nigeria.
On his own part, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Austin Chikezie, represented by his Special Adviser, Honourable Pius Okonjo, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to developing the agricultural sector in the state, especially rice production.
He added that the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, is fulfilling his promise of prosperity for all Deltans through support for agriculture.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Honourable Sunny Ozeghe and the State Anchor on Rice Production, Honourable Raymos Guanah, enjoined the beneficiaries to use the opportunity provided by the State Government to achieve greatness and to make the state proud.
They emphasized that the starter pack provided is a total package that could generate at least 3.5 tons per hectare, pointing out that the investment if sustained will make Nigeria sufficient in rice production.
In their separate remarks, Godgift Edafetita (Ethiope East LGA) and Chukwurah Edozie (Oshimili South LGA) expressed their gratitude to the State Government for the job creation initiative, pledging to work hard to uphold the vision and mission of the programme.

Okowa Salutes Bola Tinubu At 65

Delta State Governor Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has sent a message of felicitations to former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 65th birthday.

The Governor's congratulatory message was issued on Tuesday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu.

The Governor eulogized the APC Chieftain for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the nation, describing him as the doyen of opposition politics in Nigeria.

He said: “On the occasion of your 65th birthday anniversary on Wednesday 29th of March, 2017, I write to heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the Government and people of Delta State.

“In the past 65 years of a life of outstanding accomplishments and great personal fulfillment, you have not only served the people of Lagos stats as a two-term governor, you also served our great nation as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health and imbue you with His continued guidance, protection, and enduring provision.”

The Governor wished Asiwaju Bola Tinubu “a very well deserved Happy Birthday”.